In 2021, Simone Biles withdrew from several Olympic Games competitions due to mental illness.
Now the superstar is back in a much-talked-about comeback – on her own terms.
No one forces me to do this, says Biles according to AFP.
The 2021 Summer Olympic Games put Simone Biles in the spotlight for sad reasons. The superstar withdrew from several competitions and openly talked about her mental health.
Now Biles is back in the Olympic Games. But this time, she's not putting pressure on herself.
No one forces me to do this. I wake up every day and choose to go to the gym to be able to perform – for my own sake. Just as a reminder that I still have it in me. That's why I do it, says Biles to AFP.
Biles has found her way back to the top after her tough period, and is once again a top contender in Olympic gymnastics.
"Can do more"
After the drama in the Tokyo Olympic Games, the star has been praised enormously for her courage and openness, and in recent years, the topic has been taken up more and more in elite sports. Several leagues, teams, and other organizations are placing more emphasis on the athletes' mental well-being.
But according to sports psychologist Karin Moesch, more can be done.
But I also want to say that a lot has been done. The topic has been highlighted more and more over the years, which has also led to more educational opportunities and preventive measures that can be taken.
Biles aims for new gold
Moesch also believes that Biles' comeback can be important for other elite athletes who have suffered from mental illness.
Overall, it's great that those who are known, like Biles, speak out and tell the world and other athletes what they've experienced. That somehow you get away from this image that elite athletes always feel great. That they're just sun-kissed, well-trained, and happy all the time, she says.
The 27-year-old has hinted that the Olympic Games in Paris will be the last she does in her career. And although Biles is competing this time with a more relaxed attitude, her competitive instinct has not disappeared.
After everything I've been through, I want to test my limits. I want to see how far I can go. I want to see what I'm still capable of, so that when I eventually take a step back from sports, I can actually be satisfied with my career and say that I gave it my all, says Biles to AP.
The women's gymnastics competitions at the Olympic Games begin on Sunday.
